Page 79 of The Vineyard Crush

Her laughter, bright and joyous, filled the room. “Old? Please. You’re in your prime, Cowboy.” She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “And yes, I’d love to go on a date with you. Where are you planning to take me?”

I grinned, already formulating plans. “That, darlin’, is going to be a surprise. But I promise you, it’ll be worth the wait.”

As Emma snuggled back into my arms, her excitement palpable, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This was it - the start of something real, something lasting. No more hiding, no more doubts. Just us, building a future together, one step at a time.

* * *

The late afternoon sun slanted through the windows of my office as I finally wrapped up the day’s paperwork, my muscles aching from the unexpected ride I’d had to take when Jonny, one of the ranch hands, didn’t show for his doctor’s appointment. But as I stretched, working out the kinks in my back, a spark of excitement ignited in my chest. Today was the day - my first official date with Emma.

The thought of her waiting for me, probably fussing over her outfit just as I was about to do, sent a wave of warmth through me. I’d asked her to be ready half an hour ago, which in Emma-time probably meant she’d be set in about ten minutes.

I made my way to my room, the familiar scents of leather and hay giving way to the fresh, clean smell of soap as I showered away the day’s work. As I dressed, my fingers fumbled with the buttons of my shirt, betraying my nerves. This wasn’t just any date - this was the beginning of something real, something lasting.

Grabbing a thick jacket - the weather report had hinted at snow - I headed towards Emma’s room. The sound of my boots on the hardwood floors seemed to echo my heartbeat, steady but quickened with anticipation.

I raised my hand to knock, and suddenly I was transported back to my teenage years, palms sweating as I picked up my prom date. Only this was infinitely more important.

The sound of shuffling and a muffled “Oh shit!” from behind the door made me smile. Then the door swung open, and there she was.

Emma stood framed in the doorway, a vision in high-waisted jeans and a loose sweater. Her hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nerves that I’m sure mirrored my own.

Without thinking, I pulled her into my arms, my lips finding hers in a soft, sweet kiss. She tasted of cranberry and coffee, a combination that was uniquely Emma.

“Hey, beautiful,” I murmured as we parted, drinking in the sight of her.

Her answering smile was brighter than the setting sun. “Hey, Cowboy.”

I took Emma’s hand, reveling in the warmth of her fingers intertwined with mine. “Ready for an adventure, little flower?” I asked, leading her towards the path that wound down to the river.

Her eyes lit up with curiosity. “Always. But you’re being awfully mysterious, Ridge.”

I chuckled, the sound low and rich in the quiet evening air. “That’s the point of a surprise, Em.”

As we approached the river, the setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water’s surface like a living canvas. Emma’s gasp of delight when she saw the small boat waiting for us was music to my ears.

“Ridge, this is… wow,” she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

I helped her into the boat, my hand lingering on the small of her back. “The night’s just beginning, sweetheart.”

As we glided down the river, the world seemed to fall away. It was just us, the gentle lapping of water against the boat, and the first stars peeking out in the darkening sky.

Emma leaned back, her head resting against my chest as I rowed. “This is perfect,” she murmured.

“Just wait,” I promised, my heart racing with anticipation.

As we rounded a bend in the river, the flickering glow of candles came into view. I’d set up a small table on the riverbank, surrounded by lanterns that cast a warm, intimate light.

Emma’s grip on my hand tightened as I helped her from the boat. “Ridge, you did all this?”

I nodded, suddenly feeling a bit shy. “I wanted our first real date to be special.”

We sat down to dinner, the candlelight dancing across Emma’s features, making her even more beautiful if that was possible. We talked and laughed, sharing stories and dreams as we ate.

After dinner, I spread out a thick blanket on the grass nearby. We lay back, gazing up at the star-studded sky, Emma’s head pillowed on my chest.

I adjusted my position, pulling Emma closer as a cool breeze whispered through the trees. The stars above us seemed to multiply with each passing moment, a vast tapestry of light against the inky sky.

“Em,” I started, my voice low and serious. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

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